55 Best PG-13 Horror Movies (And Where to Stream Them)

The best PG-13 horror movies prove that excessive violence, gore or sexual content is not necessary to create a terrifying film. Not only do PG-13 horror movies provide many of the same kinds of jump scares and terrifying monsters as R-rated offeringsBut some remain the most iconic examples of the genre. Genuinely scary PG-13 movies aren’t all that rare, and despite their age rating guidance, they’re far from tame. Many PG-13 horror movies are also well-known classics, with many of the most successful horror franchises having entries that are not R-rated.

The best PG-13 horror movies prove that terrifying scenes are the product of skillful direction and great acting. The most terrible things to a person exist in their imagination, something horror movies without an R-rating use to their advantage. Many PG-13 horror movies stimulate the imaginative part of the viewer’s brain To great effect, creating something much scarier than any R-rated horror could. Whether taking a comedic approach to the genre or telling a deadly serious story, these PG-13 horror movies never sacrifice quality to achieve their rating.

55

The Final Girls (2015)

A time-travel horror-comedy ode to 80s horror movies

Many horror comedies offer a lighter take on the genre, which can sometimes lead to a movie that is better suited for younger audiences, such as The Ultimate Girls. The film follows a young girl named Max, who is grieving the death of her mother, who was a famous “scream queen” of the 1980s horror era. However, Max soon finds herself pulled into one of her mother’s movies where she is able to reunite with her while also escaping the serial killer.

like scream And cabin in the woods, The Ultimate Girls Has a lot of fun using the tropes of the genre in a self-referential way. It’s more comedic than either of those movies, largely because the gore is also toned down. However, even though it’s tamer, it does a good job of paying homage to 1980s horror movies while also poking fun at them.

54

The Mummy (1999)

Brendan Fraser directs the horror-adventure remake

The mummy is one of the most iconic horror movie monsters of all time, going back to the heyday of the Universal Monsters films. While there have been mixed results in trying to update the monsters in more modern movies, 1999’s The mummy Starring Brendan Fraser is often considered the best. Fraser stars as an adventurer who is recruited by a scientist to help her uncover the secrets of an ancient tomb in Egypt. However, when they discover it, they accidentally unleash an ancient mummy.

While The mummy Movie series never topped the original, it still stands as a great example of how to make a blockbuster horror movie that can appeal to a wide audience. It’s not gory, but the horror elements of the story are never lost. From people being consumed by man-eating bugs to the mummy robbing people of their organs, to thrilling battles, The mummy is a popcorn movie with some crowd-pleasing terror.

53

The Monster Squad (1987)

Shane Black’s horror comedy features classic movie monsters

Shane Black is a filmmaker known for his action movies like Lethal weapon And his crime comedies like The nice guysBut one of his first scripts to be produced in Hollywood was for the cult classic horror comedy Play the monster squad. The movie goes A group of young horror-obsessed friends find themselves confronted with some real horror when Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, and the Wolfman come to their hometown.

This movie is like an early version of Stranger things Featuring a group of likable young heroes fighting some truly scary creatures. However, the horror is also underplayed thanks to the humor of the script. While it is significant More toned down than many of Black’s other projectsIt still contains his witty humor, which helped Play the monster squad Become a nostalgic favorite.

52

10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)

The second thriller in the Cloverfield Universe

While Cloverfield is capable of telling a monster movie with a PG-13 rating, 10 Cloverfield Lane Proves it can tell a completely different horror story without having to move to the R-rating. The second entry in the Cloverfield universe star Mary Elizabeth Winstead as a young woman who, after a car accident, wakes up in a bunker where a man (John Goodman) tells her the Earth is under attack And the surface world is no longer safe.

The movie builds great tension in not knowing if the real threat is outside the bunker or inside the bunker. Winstead makes a terrific grounded hero, while Goodman is chilling as the mysterious man. There are many twists and turns throughout the story, but it is A movie that gets its horror from atmosphere rather than violence.

51

King Kong (2005)

Peter Jackson’s epic remake of the Hollywood classic

There were many King Kong movies over the years, and most of them at least touch on the horror elements of the story. However, it was Peter Jackson’s 2005 remake of King Kong That proved to be the most terrible, with many of these Scary aspects of the movie do not come from the titular giant ape, but rather from the other creatures of Skull Island.

The movie stars Naomi Watts, Adrien Brody, and Jack Black as a filmmaking crew that ventures to the mysterious island to capture the rumored oddity. However, they are soon set upon by the deadly creatures and are also pursued by Kong, the ruler of the island. It is an epic retelling of the tale with some amazing visual effects work. The scene in which the crew finds themselves in the cave of A variety of crawling critters is incredibly intense and harrowing, reconnecting Jackson to his horror roots.

50

The Haunting (1999)

A haunted house remake with a strong cast

The haunting is one of the best PG-13 horror movies even if it is not the most critically acclaimed, because it excels in building atmospheric tension and suspense as opposed to horrific violence. The haunting Follows Dr. John Markway (Liam Neeson), who investigates supernatural phenomena and tries to uncover the mystery of a haunted mansion With a group of intrigued people, forming an ensemble that includes Catherine Zeta-Jones, Owen Wilson, and Lily Taylor.

The horror is much more psychological than physicalHow it uses a claustrophobic and dark setting, and the characters become increasingly manic is anxiety-inducing. Some of the special effects in The haunting It may seem a little dated compared to newer movies, but it still holds up, and the slow-burn scare is just as effective in the 2020s as it was in 1999 — especially for viewers taking their first forays into horror.

49

Critters 3 (1991)

One of Leonardo DiCaprio’s earliest acting roles

Critic 3 Wasn’t exactly a standout movie in the wider cinematic landscape, as it failed to resonate with critics or audiences upon release. however, The trilogy has a firm hold in pop culture thanks to being Leonardo DiCaprio’s first major movie roleAnd among horror movie enthusiasts it is remembered incredibly fondly.

The 1991 horror is about a clan of furry alien creatures that terrorize every human they come in contact with – a simple premise that lends itself to critters 3′s charm. Although the movie is straight to video and it is certainly cheesy at times, Critic 3 Has retroactively become very entertaining to watch now That DiCaprio is one of the most beloved actors of this generation, and even his role in Critic 3 wrote on his potential greatness. These movies have a reputation as ripoffs of the more successful Gremlins, but they deserve praise for making a successful horror franchise in its own right.

48

AVP: Alien Vs. Predator (2004)

A movie based on the comics that brought the horror icons together

in 2004, Alien vs. Predator was ridiculed for being PG-13, as the movie pits two of the most iconic horror villains ever against each other. These two aliens are known for their grotesque kills and the priceless neuter that. Although it’s still far from the epic face-off horror flick it could have been, Alien vs. Predator Is good enough as a mashup movie.

The 2004 movie is full of scaresAnd the presence of the iconic antagonists alone is enough to instill fear in the audience. There’s a sense of missed opportunities with some of the kills, but watching the alien villains spare still makes for a fun time for fans of the two sci-fi horror franchises. Ironically, the sequel, Alien vs. Predator: Requiem is rated R, and received worse reviews than its predecessor.

47

Van Helsing (2004)

A failed attempt to revive the universal monsters

Van Helsing Might not be the scariest PG-13 horror movie, though Its blend of action with macabre themes and aesthetics allows it to stand out. Except for the Brendan Fraser-led one The mummy series, Universal has struggled to successfully bring its monster IPs to the big screen in the 21st century. The 2017 Mommy Reboot ended the Universal Monster Universe before it began, and 2004’s Van Helsing Didn’t do better.

Whether it was going for the nostalgia factor or Hugh Jackman’s performance as the vampire hunter, the movie is thoroughly entertaining two decades later. The 2004 Van Helsing Turns the vampire hunter into a cool action hero As opposed to the dark and scary vampire slayer he’s known as, that divides audiences, but his campy fun is undeniable as audiences get to see him take on the likes of Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, and The Wolfman.

46

47 Meters Down (2017)

An underwater shark-infested horror movie

Survival movies set in and around shark-infested waters are nothing new, however There’s never been a really terrifying one that’s PG-13. however, 47 meters down Is exactly that, as the movie follows two sisters who are invited to cage dive, which leads to one of the most surprisingly intense 80 minutes, especially as IIt has a shockingly low budget for a movie that requires so many digital effects.

Although it requires suspension of disbelief in some areas, 47 meters down remains a solid entry in the shark movie genre. While the kills are tamer than other movies of this kind, it still captures that sense of dread of the deadly creatures lurking silently up to the surface of the water. It makes for an easy watch and a solid time.

45

The Mothman Prophecies (2002)

Richard Gere in a terrifying urban legend-influenced PG-13 horror movie

Although there are many horror movies based on true stories, some of the most effective stories of the genre come from real-life legends that may not be true but remain talked about in certain circles. A film that is ultimately just as enigmatic as its subject, THe Motman Prophecies revolves around sightings of a mysterious figure known only as the “Mothman” As a reporter (Richard Gere) is involved in the unexplained events that surround his chilling appearances.

It’s a movie that relies on creepy atmosphere rather than gory kills to be effective. Elevated by its central performance from Gere and strong support from veteran dramatic actors Laura Linney and Will Patton, The film is a haunting meditation on the uncertainty that surrounds deathWith his brazen lack of answers that makes the experience feel all the richer.

44

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)

The horror movie that influenced the TV show

While the 1997 Supernatural series Buffy the Vampire Slayer Is an iconic 90s show, the teen drama is based on a much lesser known movie. Joss Whedon initially wrote the story as a teen comedy before he went on to adapt the idea for a series to much greater effect. The series is not a continuation of the movie but a remake, as the PG-13 horror movie also sees Buffy knows that she was chosen to become a vampire slayer While in high school.

However, these Buffy The tone of this movie is very different from the series, as it is lighthearted and just as much a comedy as a horror. Although these Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series is the superior of the two, The movie doesn’t get enough credit for being the foundation of such a television phenomenon As well as with a hilarious performance by Paul Reuben.

43

Eight Legged Freaks (2002)

A B-grade giant monster movie starring David Arquette

Eight Legged Freaks Might not look great by today’s standards, as CGI was still in its infancy in the early 2000s, but the 2002 movie is a time capsule of the CGI experimentation of the early 2000s. However, the scrappy look of Eight Legged Freaks is one of its biggest appeals and what makes it one of the best PG-13 horror movies. As the title says, This arachnophobia-laden horror movie is about hundreds of tiny spiders which become supersized after a chemical spill, and this is exactly the kind of fun viewing one would expect.

The movie is partly an homage to the kind of monster sci-fi movies of 1950s Hollywood, like them! however, The movie also wisely embraces the comedic elements of the storyNever taking itself too seriously while also balancing the humor with some genuine thrills and fun kills.

42

Dracula Untold (2014)

The Origin Story of the Vampire Dracula

Dracula Untold Is a movie that split viewers and critics, as he was hated by critics (with a “rotten” 25% on Rotten Tomatoes) but is popular with general audiences. The movie doesn’t have much depth, and it doesn’t do much in the way of exploring one of literature’s most three-dimensional antagonists, But it’s just a fun time.

The 2014 release is Almost as if Dracula was adapted from a comic book rather than a gothic horror novel. It’s full of over-the-top action and ridiculous dialogue that would never have been spoken by Bram Stoker’s version of the character, but that’s the fun of it. The more heroic take on Dracula was partly what allowed the movie to deliver a PG-13 movie without harming the character’s legacy too much. The movie was meant to launch the Dark Universe plan originally but its poor reception led to other plans.

41

Troll 2 (1990)

A B-grade cult classic

Just like Critters 3, Troll 2 Not technically a great movie, but that’s exactly what it is Loved by audiences and why it has grown such a huge cult following. Similar to that The room is so popular, Troll 2 Shortcomings are why it is so beloved. Between the performances of a cast that includes a dentist and an actor who was in a mental institution at the time to the fact that there are not even any trolls in the film, the 1990 film became a cult hit.

There’s a lot of fun to be had with this movie, with some of its outrageous moments and questionable line deliveries becoming iconic in their own right. The movie even earned its own documentary called Best worst movie which celebrates the lasting love of Trolls 2.

40

The Grudge (2004)

A Japanese horror remake starring Sarah Michelle Gellar

One of the most popular trends in the cinematic landscape in the 2000s was Hollywood remakes of Japanese horror movies, and one of the most notable examples was 2004’s. The garage. The movie follows an American family that makes a new life together in Tokyo, only they move into a house that is susceptible to supernatural events. soon, The family is terrorized by supernatural events as a curse threatens to overtake them all.

When it comes to PG-13 horror movies, The garage Pushes the MPAA rating to its absolute limitAs it is full of not only psychological horror but also graphic horror. However, the supernatural elements create a relentless sense of dread and foreboding throughout the movie, a prime example of how great scares can still be delivered with a PG-13 rating.

39

Victor Frankenstein (2015)

Daniel Radcliffe & James McAvoy in a re-telling of Frankenstein

Victor Frankenstein was 20th Century Fox’s attempt to repeat the success that Warner Bros. had with the Guy Ritchie-directed sherlock holmes, Bring another iconic literary character to life in a dazzling Hollywood blockbuster. The movie is told from the perspective of Victor Frankenstein’s famous lab assistant, IgorAs it details his own origins and his friendship with Frankenstein as he begins his controversial career in science.

The movie is a more exciting, fast-paced and playful take on the source material, and while it didn’t resonate with critics, it landed with audiences. The fun and playful approach is helped by Captivating performances by James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffewho respectively play Victor Frankenstein and Igor Straussman. The postmodern take on the material is what sets Victor Frankenstein Apart from other iterations of the character.

38

Warm Bodies (2013)

A Zombie Love Story

Romance and horror seem to be two genres that mix perfectly together, as proven by Warm bodies. Warm bodies Delivers on the romanceInfuse a Romeo and Juliet Adaptation with zombie horror elements. The 2013 movie is about a plague that leads to half the population turning into zombies, and R (Nicholas Hoult), one of the zombies, learns to become more and more human when he falls in love with Julie.

It’s a lot of fun to watch a zombie movie told from the perspective of the zombies with Hoult bringing a lot of charm and humor to the challenging lead role. Warm bodies Proves Hoult is an incredibly adept character actor, and one perfectly suited for PG-13 horror movies. The fact that the movie also manages to include a sweet romance is a testament to its genre-mashing fun.

37

Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013)

The highly entertaining PG-13 horror movie sequel

Although sequels are rarely as good as their predecessors, Insidious: Chapter 2 is one of the few horror movies to achieve it. The film sees the Lambert family once again battling evil spirits possessing the parents’ children. Insidious: Chapter 2 May not be as refreshing or as talked about as the original, but it doubles down on the scares, And it’s hard to believe that something this terrifying is only rated PG-13. However, just like his predecessor and his successor, Insidious: Chapter 3 (which is also almost as good), the sequel pushes the PG-13 rating to its limits.

The insidious movies are known for their jump-scares and haunting atmosphere, which Make them extremely intense viewing experiences Even if the rating is not as high as some other horror movies. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart.

36

The Village (2004)

M. Night Shyamalan’s polarizing horror movie

Director M. Night Shyamalan has made a career of switching between bloody R-rated horror movies and more accessible but still intense PG13-rated movies. The Village is about a group of villagers in an Amish-like community who live in a woodland area where dangerous creatures supposedly exist. The Village Could have been the movie where writer/director M. Night Shyamalan’s twist-heavy formula was wearing thin, but There’s no denying how scary it can be when the blind Ivy Walker is making her way through the woods.

Even when it is obvious that the creatures are not real, it does not stop being scary, knowing the unhinged and unpredictable Noah, What previously stung a villager, is in the creature suit, as he is capable of everything. The ending of the movie is still controversial, but the story is elevated by a strong cast that includes Joaquin Phoenix, Bryce Dallas Howard, Sigourney Weaver and Adrien Brody.